Iowa State adds defensive duo, loses receiver recruit

Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell talks to Iowa State redshirt freshman tight end Chase Allen (11) before their spring game on Saturday, April 8, 2017, in Ames.(Photo: Brian Powers/The Register)Buy Photo

A top 50 defensive back and a fast-growing linebacker gave Iowa State two standout recruiting victories on Sunday.

Christian Young, a safety from Richmond, Texas, became one of ISU’s most highly rated recruits of the 2018 class with his afternoon verbal commitment. At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Young held more than 20 offers, including Power 5 options like Arizona, Arizona State, Missouri, Oregon State and Purdue.

“I would like to give a big thanks to my parents, coaches, friends, and close people in my life for helping me get where I am,” Young wrote on Twitter. “Next, I would like to thank all the universities for giving me an opportunity to play at their school.

“It has been a long and thoughtful process. Without further ado, I have made my decision to commit to Iowa State University.”

The versatile defensive back is rated the No. 49 safety nationally, according to the 247 Sports Composite. Young listed ISU among his top 11 selections on Friday, but a camp visit appears to have sped up the timeline for his decision.

Outside linebacker Gerry Vaughn from Tucker, Ga., announced his commitment earlier on Sunday. A 6-foot, 210-pound athlete, Vaughn chose the Cyclones over more than a dozen other FBS offers. The 2018 three-star prospect was credited with 79 tackles and two sacks for Tucker High School as a junior. He also split duties at running back and was 5-10 and 195 pounds before his recruitment picked up.

Bolar bolts after one month

A big wide receiver from Mississippi made it one month as an Iowa State commit. Three-star prospect C.J. Bolar announced he was, “110 percent committed” to the Cyclones on May 17, but posted briefly about his decommitment on Sunday afternoon. Per 247 Sports reporter Alex Halsted, Bolar visited Mississippi State on Saturday.

The Cyclones currently have 11 commitments from high school prospects for their 2018 class.